"Her voice is so inviting that the original joy of the music is revived," writes critic Scott Yanow of Susannah McCorkle's beguiling bossa version of Sammy Fain's "I Can Dream, Can't I?" Sadly, neither McCorkle nor the inimitable Rosemary Clooney ("Brazil") is still with us (this CD came out in 2001), but the other performers—like veteran canary Keely Smith ("A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening") and the superbly creative Karrin Allyson ("What's New?")—are still going strong. One revelation for us was Monica Mancini's gospel harmonized, killer version of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" from her Johnny Mercer tribute album.

"Included in this great compilation is the Grammy-nominated Nnenna Freelon performing 'Better Than Anything' from her Soul Call release, [and] Diane Schuur and the esteemed Marion McPartland, respectively, presenting their renditions of 'Easy Living' and 'Take the 'A' Train'…. Provides an array of aural experiences that warrant repeat listenings."—All Music Guide